Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“When Mr. Trump maligns me, it increases the number of death threats that my family, staff members and I receive. As a member of Congress, I am privileged to have access to security when these threats arise. What keeps me up at night is that people who share the identities I hold — Black, Somali, hijabi, immigrant — will suffer the consequences of his words, which so often go unchecked by members of the Republican Party and other elected officials. All Americans have a duty to call out this hateful rhetoric when we hear it.” – Rep. Ilhan Omar

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“New Orleans is a city with a soul. Our culture, our neighborhoods, our traditions, and our deep sense of community shape how we live and how we keep each other safe. Any law enforcement activity in our city, including federal operations, must honor that reality. It must reflect an understanding of our local laws, our norms, and our people.”

Of all the cities in the nation, New Orleans perhaps best exemplifies the virtues of the American melting pot. Just as our signature dish, gumbo, depends upon the many distinct ingredients and culinary styles that come together to create something rich, flavorful, and unsurpassed, New Orlean's beauty and strength comes from the interwoven cultures and traditions of its diverse population.

Any federal law enforcement operation in New Orleans, especially one focused on immigration, must respect those cultures and traditions.

NEW YORK (December 3, 2025) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to President Trump's comments about Somali Americans:

"The President's abhorrent slurs against Somali Americans are not simply beneath the dignity of his office — or of any self-respecting adult — but dangerous and fundamentally un-American. These words are  attack on the very principles of equality and dignity that define our nation.

"Immigrants and their descendants are the foundation of this country, and Somali Americans are no exception. They contribute to our communities, our economy, and our culture. To demean them with hateful rhetoric is to fuel division and incite hostility against an entire group of people based on their heritage.

NEW YORK (December 2, 2025) — The National Urban League today called on Congressional leaders to take bold, comprehensive action to confront the nation’s worsening housing affordability crisis. The organization urged lawmakers to strengthen and fully fund the ROAD to Housing Act as part of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

In a letter to the House Committee on Financial Services and the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, President and CEO Marc H. Morial outlined key recommendations to ensure the legislation delivers meaningful and lasting relief for American families. The letter underscores that the housing crisis—marked by skyrocketing rents and shrinking homeownership opportunities—has become one of the most urgent economic and civil rights issues of our time.

The King County Council approved a $20 billion biennial budget for 2026 to 2027 that aims to confront racial injustice and deliver targeted resources to historically marginalized communities. For Councilmember De’Sean Quinn, who represents District 5 in South King County, the budget is more than a spending plan. It is a roadmap for repair.

Quinn, who was appointed in January to fill a vacancy left by former Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, praised the budget’s direct investments in the Black community and described the final package as a meaningful step toward equity and justice.

The Urban League of Middle Tennessee (Nashville, TN) or ULMT is donating 500 turkeys to community members in need ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The initiative is led by ULMT’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program, with support from Enterprise, which is providing volunteer truck drivers. The turkeys have been purchased and will be distributed to three locations across Nashville.

ULMT’s GVI program works to support underserved and underrepresented populations in Middle Tennessee. The program assists residents in finding employment, expunging criminal records, restoring driver’s licenses, and accessing vital resources including food, diapers, medicines, and hygiene products.

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (St. Louis, MO) gave out 3,000 Thanksgiving meals on Tuesday (November 23rd).

The Thanksgiving Turkey Drive-Thru giveaway distributed turkeys and holiday food boxes to families across the region.

“Our Thanksgiving distribution is one of the most cherished traditions in the St. Louis community,” said Urban League President & CEO Michael P. McMillan. “This year, it means even more. We remain committed to stabilizing families, restoring hope, and ensuring that everyone has access to food and essential resources during a season when need is especially high.”

The Urban League said the need quadrupled at its food pantries after the government shutdown. McMillan said the need is greater than ever. This year, they’re giving out 500 more meals to people across the region this week, on top of this event.

There was standing room only at the Sport of Kings Theatre in Hallandale Beach  as Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) announced a new partnership with the Urban League of Broward County (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) or ULBC, supported by a $400,000, three-year donation designed to expand economic opportunity for small businesses and accelerate economic development across South Florida.

Dr. Germaine Smith Baugh, President and CEO of ULBC, said the partnership arrives at a pivotal moment.

“By investing in our neighbors, PMI U.S. is helping small business owners do what they do best: build, create, and keep our community strong,” Baugh said in a statement.

“We’re truly grateful for this partnership and excited for all we’ll accomplish together to lift up small businesses and the families we serve.”